The ‘hot girl walk’ has dominated the low-impact exercise side of things for over a year now, but now it's all about ‘soft hiking’. Sure, other social media fitness trends have come and gone (we haven't heard of the 75 Soft Challenge in a while now, have we?), but soft hiking is gaining more and more popularity by the day.
The original post went live last week and has already had over 350,000 views, as well as comments that show just how much the trend strikes a chord. “Love this, have always wanted to get into hiking!" wrote one enthusiastic viewer, another adding: “soft hiking, rambling, puttering along… whatever the term, it's meeee.”
So, as ones never to be left behind on a trend, and also because we're always on the hunt for ways to keep exercise fun and fresh, we've delved into the art of soft hiking to find out exactly what it is, why it's becoming so popular and the benefits you can reap if you decide to do it for yourself. Here's everything we know…
What is soft hiking?
In short, soft hiking is simply another way to get outside and explore the great outdoors, get some steps in and soak up all that Mother Nature has to offer without pushing yourself in a way that feels gruelling. “You don't have to be concerned about distance, elevation or reaching a summit,” explains Carla Khouri, a qualified mountain leader, outdoor instructor and community lead at Merrell Hiking Club UK. "It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels and can be a great way to explore new areas. Soft hiking is a fun and rewarding way to stay active and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Why is soft hiking becoming so popular?
One of the reasons that soft hiking is gaining popularity is because it is accessible to people of all fitness levels. Unlike other forms of exercise, such as running or high-intensity interval training, soft hiking allows individuals to get a workout without putting too much strain on their bodies whilst getting to enjoy nature at the same time.
However, given that the weather is (tentatively) warming up, it's also the perfect time of year for it, not too hot and not too cold.
What are the benefits of soft hiking?
According to Carla, there are five main benefits of soft hiking. Firstly, it improves cardiovascular health: “Soft hiking is a great form of aerobic exercise that can improve cardiovascular health. Walking on a soft hiking trail can help to increase heart rate, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation.”
It also helps to reduce stress which, lord knows, we could all do with right about now. “Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels,” says Carla. “Soft hiking provides an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and enjoy the beauty of nature, which can have a calming and soothing effect on the mind.”
“Soft hiking can also have a positive impact on our mood,” she adds. “Studies have shown that spending time in nature can boost serotonin levels, which can improve feelings of happiness and well-being.”
The fourth benefit is perhaps unsurprising but still worth mentioning: it strengthens muscles and bones. “Soft hiking involves walking on uneven terrain, which can help to strengthen muscles and bones in the legs and feet. This can lead to better balance and stability, as well as reduced risk of falls,” Carla explains.
“And finally, soft hiking can be a great social activity, providing an opportunity to spend time with friends and family while enjoying the outdoors. This can help to improve social connections and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation,” she says. And with recent stats suggesting that 45% of us experience feelings of loneliness, it seems the trend couldn't have come soon enough.
Plus, to add one ourselves, it's totally free, which is no small benefit with the cost of living hikes.
How do you start soft hiking as a hiking novice?
That great news is that you don't need to have ever hiked before to take advantage of soft hiking. Below, Carla shares her top five tips on how to get started:
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8Crq6KbnJp8tLvFrWShoZueu6g%3D